Whitewater's history displayed on arch

Whitewater will unveil a new gateway to the city Sunday, April 20, when officials present the new Cravath Lakefront Park Arch. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

Terry Mayer/The Week

Workers hoist the new Cravath Lakefront Park Arch into place Thursday morning. The arch will be dedicated in a ceremony Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

A cooperative venture of arts, community, and university , this monumental steel and stone arch will span the entrance to Cravath Lakefront Park from Whitewater Street, welcoming visitors to the park.

The arch was designed by Brady Lueck, a prominent sculptor from southeastern Wisconsin.

Lueck also designed the cityscapes that flank the arch and created the 14 three-dimension models of important places and things in Whitewater's history depicted along the arch.

Charles Scharine of the Scharine Group of rural Whitewater fabricated the structure and donated the steel in the structure.

Development of the arch was spearheaded by the Whitewater Arts Alliance and the city of Whitewater.

Financial support came from individuals, families, businesses, civil organizations, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the city.

This project reflects the commitment of the city, the arts and the community coming together to make a dream a reality.

Donors for the various images on the arch will be recognized at the dedication and a plaque, funded by UW-Whitewater, describes each of the images. The public is invited to come share in the dedication, learn a little about the structure and enjoy some refreshments.